Empowered Women Gather to Celebrate Success and Inspire Future Leaders
A remarkable event held in Cumbria recently brought together some of the most influential female leaders in the region, showcasing their inspiring journeys and sharing valuable advice, just in time for International Women's Day. The gathering emphasized the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and self-belief in the pursuit of gender equality in the workplace.
Sharing Inspiring Stories
The women in business event, hosted by in-Cumbria business magazine, served as a platform for key figures such as Rebecca Graves, director of NRL, to share their experiences in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Graves highlighted the essence of visibility with her mantra, "you can’t be what you can’t see," while launching a mentoring initiative titled She Leads, which has already positively impacted numerous careers.
A Diverse Panel of Leaders
Joy Yates, regional editor of Newsquest Cumbria, facilitated a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring leaders from various sectors. The diverse backgrounds of panelists, including Trudie Davies of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and Joanne Stronach of Cartmell Shepherd, illuminated the shared challenges women face in their careers, such as overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Advocacy for Continuous Learning
Claire Aindow, pro vice chancellor at the University of Cumbria, emphasized that self-development is a lifelong journey, reiterating a key message that resonated throughout the discussions: the significance of learning from peers and continuously striving for growth. This commitment to personal and professional development was echoed by other speakers, fostering a sense of community and support among attendees.
An Engaging Community Experience
The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, illustrating the impact of shared experiences and the importance of building supportive networks among women in business. With many attendees inspired by the panel's honesty and guidance, the gathering proved to be more than just a celebration; it was a call to action for women to recognize their worth and potential in the workplace.
As Joy Yates noted, this event marked not only International Women's Day but also a significant step towards empowering future generations to embrace their roles as leaders and changemakers, creating a lasting legacy of inspiration and success in the community.
